Tire Explosion During Equipment Fire

Accident Report: Fatality Reference

DANGER!
Tires can explode during a fire and after the fire is extinguished.

On June 14, 2024, one firefighter died, and another was injured when a front end loader tire exploded while firefighters fought the equipment fire.

In the event of a possible or actual fire (e.g., odor, heat, smoke, flames):

Stop the machine, lower all attachments, set the parking brake, and turn the equipment off.
Actuate the machine-mounted fire suppression system, if available.
Safely exit the machine and retreat to a safe location, preferably 1,000 feet away.
Warn all others in the vicinity of the fire, notify management, and contact appropriate emergency personnel.
Do not attempt to extinguish a tire fire with a hand-held extinguisher.
Wait for emergency responders to arrive. Stay clear of the fire.
From a distance, emergency personnel can use a fire or water truck to cool down the equipment. (See SAE J2828NOV2016 – Off-Road Tire Handling Guidelines.)